Blake Lively took a big L Thursday, when the trial judge just gave her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni the boot.
Courtesy of Bryan Freedman
Lively had claimed Baldoni crossed the line during filming of “It Ends With Us,” by kissing her in a scene where the script didn’t call for it. She also claimed Baldoni walked into her trailer while she was breastfeeding. And, she alleged, a producer showed Blake a video of his wife giving birth.
She also claims Baldoni made an offhand remark as the cast was getting ready to shoot a scene. He said, “Sorry, I missed the sexual harassment training.” Baldoni had said this was a joke about the wardrobe for the scene.
In dismissing the sexual harassment claims, the judge noted Lively was relying on a California sexual harassment law, and the conduct to which she was objecting occurred on a film set in New Jersey. So, the judge ruled California law was not applicable and therefore dismissed Blake’s claims. The judge did not rule on the merits of Lively’s sexual harassment claims.
The judge also dismissed Lively’s defamation claim, in which she said Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, made a variety of allegations, including accusing her of making the whole thing up.
All in all, the judge tossed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni.
Although the sexual harassment claims have been dismissed, some of her allegations have survived judicial scrutiny.
The 3 remaining claims are for retaliation, aiding and abetting in retaliation and breach of contract. She claims Baldoni and his team set out to ruin her reputation in retaliation for her claim that he had created a hostile work environment for her.
Blake Lively’s lawyer, Sigrid McCawley tells TMZ … “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial.”
TMZ.com
The statement continues — “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted. She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”
McCawley adds, “Sexual harassment isn’t going forward, not because the defendants did nothing wrong, but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.”
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers tell TMZ … “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided. What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”
The trial is set for May 18th.
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